Season by season
Spring. Cherry blossom in mid to late April; fresh green in May, when the peonies at Myoun-ji bloom.
Summer. Cooler than the plain, with fireflies in early summer and lilies at Hunter Mountain from mid-July to August.
Autumn. Colour starts on the high ground in mid-October and peaks in the gorge and at the Momijidani bridge from late October to mid-November.
Winter. Snow on the ground from December to March. Open-air baths in the snow are the reward; some trails close.
Events
- Peony Festival, Myoun-ji — mid to late May.
- Shiobara Onsen Festival — September, with floats in the town.
- Autumn illuminations — selected spots in the gorge are lit up during the foliage season.
Crowds
Only the first half of November is genuinely busy, mainly on the road by the Momijidani bridge. At other times Shiobara is one of the calmest resorts in Tochigi.
Shiobara Onsen month by month
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Visit rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3°C | -5°C | ★☆☆ Quiet / limited |
| February | 4°C | -5°C | ★☆☆ Quiet / limited |
| March | 8°C | -2°C | ★☆☆ Quiet / limited |
| April | 14°C | 3°C | ★★☆ Good time |
| May | 19°C | 9°C | ★★☆ Good time |
| June | 22°C | 14°C | ★★☆ Good time |
| July | 25°C | 18°C | ★★☆ Good time |
| August | 26°C | 19°C | ★★☆ Good time |
| September | 22°C | 15°C | ★★☆ Good time |
| October | 17°C | 8°C | ★★★ Peak season |
| November | 12°C | 2°C | ★★★ Peak season |
| December | 6°C | -3°C | ★☆☆ Quiet / limited |
Temperatures are approximate long-term averages for the area and vary with altitude; check a forecast before you travel.
